Jolie Blon's Bounce

De: James Lee Burke

Narrado por: Mark Hammer

Dave Robicheaux is back in this powerful New York Times bestseller that takes him into the underbelly of New Iberia’s mafia to solve the brutal murder of two teenage girls.

When a beautiful teenage girl is killed, New Iberia police detective Dave Robicheaux senses that the most likely suspect, Tee Bobby Hulin, is not the actual killer. Though a drug addict and general neer-do-well, Hulin just doesn’t fit the profile for this kind of crime. He’s a Cajun blues singer (one of his songs is titled “Jolie Blon’s Bounce”), and he’s been raised by his grandmother Ladice Hulin, a proud and strong-willed black woman.

But when there’s another, similar murder—this victim a drugged-out prostitute who happens to be the daughter of one of the local mafia bigwigs—the cries for an arrest become too loud to ignore. The mafia figure, however, prefers to take matters in his own hand and sets out to find—and punish—the killer himself. Once again, Tee Bobby Hulin seems the most likely suspect.

Added to the mix of characters on the good guy side of the balance sheet is Clete Purcel, a long-time buddy of Robicheaux’s and a confirmed boozer and womanizer. Coming to New Iberia for a visit, Clete is quickly drawn into the struggle between the various forces of evil in the town: Jimmy Dean Styles, a black man intent on maintaining his empire of corruption; Joe Zeroski, a trailer-park mafioso with palatial aspirations—and of course Legion Guidrey, the devil incarnate.©2002 James Lee Burke, All Rights Reserved; (P)2002 Recorded Books Inc., All Rights Reserved, AUDIOWORKS Is an Imprint of Simon & Schuster Audio Division, Simon & Schuster Inc.

Needs a different Narrator.

I am enjoying the story, but I am having a hard time understanding what the narrator is saying. I often have to rewind and replay. Mark Hammer's voice is very monotone and his speech is very hard to understand.

Love Mark Hammer's Narration Style

I've read a few reviews where Hammer's narration style is criticised heavily. I couldn't disagree more - Hammer takes an already great story and adds his style to create genuine syngergy. Fabulous complex story, and narrated equally fabulously. I liked Hammer's style so much I'm struggling to enjoy those Burke books read by Patton. Narrator changes are a pain with character based novels.

I'd rate my enjoyment of JB's Bounce up right up there with other Audible books like Memoirs of a Geisha, The Human Stain, and Tis/Angela's Ashes - all great stories enhanced by great narrators.

Great

This was my first Burke novel though not my last. Atmospheric is the only word that comes to mind when describing this novel, since the reader is gently transported to the south. A marvelous mystery with a very real hero and a host of intriguing characters, I recommend Jolie Blon to the novice or seasoned Burke reader, since it pressed this particular novice get on her way to the seasoned group.

Outsatnding

What made the experience of listening to Jolie Blon's Bounce the most enjoyable?

I have listened to a lot of James Lee Burke's books. This one is the best. So descriptive that I often would rewind because I know I would hear something that I did not hear in the first place..The start of Chapter 2 where he explains why Cops, Street Reporters, Hard Core Case case workers usually hang around with like minded people hit the nail on the head. His details and description of everyday life is so real it is outstanding..

What did you like best about this story?

The story lines and characters and the blending of them all.

Have you listened to any of Mark Hammer’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Mark Hammer is the best. I returned two of Burke's latest books because I was disappointed in the narrator.
Hammer and Burke are a perfect match.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Neither I spent 26 years as a cop in NYC

Narrator spoiled the story.

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The book was fine.

Would you recommend Jolie Blon's Bounce to your friends? Why or why not?

I would recommend the Book, NOT, the audible. The narrator did not capture the characters. I am spoiled by Will Patton. Will really makes the Robichaux characters come to life.

How could the performance have been better?

Absolutely

Do you think Jolie Blon's Bounce needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No, I don't believe the characters were that interesting other than Dave and Clete.

12 hours not enough

This is rich in characters and has many good story lines going at one time which culminate in an effortless and reasonable conclusion.

My favorite so far

I have listened to all of James Lee Burke's books on audio in sequence and this is my favorite so far. Burke has such a wonderful way of making you feel like you are truly "there" each step of the way. As far as the narrator Mark Hammer, I love him! The first book was with Will Patton and I love him too but I've not had a problem with Mark's reading. On to the next book...

One of the better Robicheaux's but...

This was a good Robicheaux novel, full of complicated characters and a central mystery that is too twisted to be easily guessed. And it has James Lee Burke's usual high quality of writing, metaphor, and insight into the human spirit. Quite a good story.

Unlike some, I love the narrator. The late Mark Hammer read the way Burke writes, and I honestly can't understand how someone can like Burke's writing and not like Hammer's languid, melancholy reading. To me it matches the book perfectly, even when he messes up local names or accents.


Burke's novels have become increasingly supernatural in some ways, and that is my one gripe. It's almost enough to turn me off to his writing, but so far it's not fatal.

Repetitive

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The story line was too similar to previous books. Although I had no idea of how the story would play out or would end it was too similar.

Would you be willing to try another book from James Lee Burke? Why or why not?

No, I think I have finally had enough. I have listened to many of Burke’s books. The last several have been heavy on a repetitive theme: southern aristocracy that previously wronged the blacks and have continued to do so. Throw in some gangsters trying to move into the parish and have the descendants of the aristocracy working with the gang. Now a big touch of the supernatural and you have the last several books. I think I have overdosed.

What does Mark Hammer bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Hammer does a good job. He does seem to bring the characters to life more than if I was reading the print.

Was Jolie Blon's Bounce worth the listening time?

Not really. As mentioned above it was a repetitive story.

Any additional comments?

I love Purcell! He adds so much to the books!

what's the haps, Noble mon?

wanted it to go on, for many more chapters!

way to go, Robicheaux!

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